| AOR | Acknowledgement of Receipt |
| CAIPS | Computer Assisted Immigration Processing System – System used to track and store information about overseas visa applications. Helpful in understanding delays or interview reasons. |
| CANN | Community Airport Newcomers’ Network – Provides welcome services at select Canadian airports. |
| CELPIP | Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – One of two English tests approved by IRCC. Primarily offered in Canada and China. |
| CIC | Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Now part of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). |
| CICIC | Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials – Supports credential recognition. |
| CIDA | Canadian International Development Agency – Oversees foreign aid (now merged with Global Affairs Canada). |
| COPR | Confirmation of Permanent Residence – Document issued to approved permanent residents. |
| CPP | Canada Pension Plan – Retirement pension benefits program. |
| CSQ | Certificat de sélection du Québec – Required for applicants to Quebec immigration programs. |
| DMP | Designated Medical Practitioner – Physicians approved by IRCC to perform immigration medical exams. |
| EAL | English as an Additional Language |
| E-CAS | e-Client Application Status – Online tool to check immigration or citizenship application status. |
| EFL | English as a Foreign Language |
| EI | Employment Insurance – Government program for temporarily unemployed individuals. |
| ELT | English Language Training/Teaching |
| ESL | English as a Second Language |
| ESOL | English for Speakers of Other Languages |
| ESP | English for Specific Purposes |
| GIC | Guaranteed Investment Certificate – Financial product used in Student Direct Stream applications. |
| GST | Goods and Services Tax – Federal sales tax in Canada. |
| H&C Grounds | Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds – Special consideration under Section A25(1) of IRPA for individuals not meeting standard immigration categories. |
| HRDC | Human Resources Development Canada – Former name of HRSDC. |
| HRSDC | Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – Issues Labour Market Opinions (LMOs) and Arranged Employment Opinions. Now known as ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). |
| IA | Initial Assessment – First evaluation of an immigration application. |
| ICCS | International Council for Canadian Studies |
| ID | Identification |
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System – Widely used English test approved by IRCC. General Training version is required for immigration. |
| IRPA | Immigration and Refugee Protection Act – Main legislation governing immigration to Canada. |
| IRPR | Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations – Detailed rules that support the IRPA. |
| MSP | Medical Services Plan – Provincial health insurance plan (e.g., in BC). |
| NOC | National Occupational Classification – System used to classify jobs for immigration and employment. |
| NGO | Non-Governmental Organization |
| OLA | Open Learning Agency |
| PPR | Passport Request – Final stage where IRCC requests the applicant’s passport for visa issuance. |
| PST | Provincial Sales Tax – Additional sales tax levied in some provinces. |
| RCMP | Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Canada's federal police service. |
| RRPF | Right of Permanent Residence Fee – Fee paid before permanent residence can be finalized. |
| RRSP | Registered Retirement Savings Plan – Canadian retirement savings account. |
| SIN | Social Insurance Number – Required for working in Canada or receiving government benefits. |
| SWP | Skilled Worker Program – Federal program for economic-class immigrants. |
| TEF | Test d'Évaluation de Français – French language test accepted by IRCC. Includes written/oral comprehension and expression. |
| VSO | Voluntary Services Overseas – International development organization. |
| WCB | Workers' Compensation Board – Provincial agencies that provide benefits for workplace injuries. |
| YMCA/YWCA | Young Men’s/Women’s Christian Association – Community organizations offering newcomer and employment support. |
